NCAA rules on Trinidad Chambliss appeal

NCAA rejects Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ sixth-year appeal leaving his immediate football future dependent on the upcoming court ruling in Mississippi. decision, confirmed on Wednesday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel, endorsed initial denials by the NCAA issued on January 9 by the athletic staff.

Chambliss and Ole Miss sought a medical hardship waiver related to the quarterback’s 2022 season at Division II Ferris State, which he missed entirely due to documented respiratory and throat ailments. The 23-year-old suffered from chronic tonsillitis, recurring throat infections, fatigue, sleep disturbances and exercise-related respiratory discomfort during the 2022-23 school year. year, according to a lawsuit filed against the NCAA. Chambliss also redshirted during the 2021 season at Ferris State.

The NCAA upheld its position that the waiver was denied because the Rebels and Ferris State failed to provide medical documentation from a treating physician at the time of the alleged disabling illness. Chambliss’ attorney, Tom Mars, previously said Ole Miss has provided the NCAA with 91 pages of medical records, including a letter from the quarterback’s doctor describing his condition.

After the appeal verdict, Ole Miss issued a statement reiterating its support for Chamblisssaying the NCAA’s decision is contrary to its rules, precedent and documented medical records, and confirming that his legal team will pursue all legal options.

Chambliss’ attorneys, Mars and William Liston, filed suit in the Chancery Court of Lafayette County, Mississippi, seeking both preliminary and permanent injunctions. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12 before Judge Robert Whitwell. If granted, the injunction would prevent the NCAA from enforcing its decision and could allow Chambliss to play through the 2026 season while the case continues. The NCAA could appeal any adverse decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Chambliss played five seasons of college football, four at Ferris State and one with the Rebels. At Ferris State, he appeared in 25 games and made 16 starts, later leading the Bulldogs to the Division II national championship. After transferring to Ole Miss, he appeared in 15 games and made 13 starts during the 2025 season after Austin Simmons suffered an injury.

Chambliss finished the season with nearly 4,000 passing yards, 30 total touchdowns and led the SEC in passing. He added 527 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. In the College Football Playoff, he led the Rebels to the semifinals, throwing for 921 yards, four passes and zero interceptions in three playoff games. Ole Miss lost to Miami in the semifinals in the last minute. Chambliss finished eighth in voting for the 2025 Heisman Trophy and earned offensive MVP honors in the Sugar Bowl.

Financial reasons are an important component of the lawsuit. Chambliss’ contract to stay with the Rebels is worth over $5 million, according to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft as a mid-round selection could cost Chambliss millions of dollars. Ole Miss added Auburn quarterback transfer Deuce Knight as a contingency plan. Regardless of Chambliss’ status, the Rebels under new coach Pete Golding will begin the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against Louisville in Nashville.